First and foremost - Can you believe that the bride’s mother made her dress and veil?  It was gorgeous and impeccably made.  You would have never guessed that it didn’t come from a bridal shop.  The couple was married in Our Lady of Angels in Downtown LA, took photos at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, and held their reception at a private estate.  The color palette was Sage Green and Eggplant.  The style was backyard chic infused with elements of their Mexican culture and traditions:

• Loteria cards as table numbers
• Churro station w/ caramel and chocolate sauce and ice cream in lieu of a wedding cake
• Mariachi Band
• Tequila shot instead of a traditional champagne toast
• Chicken Mole and Black Bean Chilaquiles entree

Photography:  Steve D Photography

Instead of something blue, be different, and try something GREEN.  Raise the eco-awareness of your guests by having a simple and elegantly GREEN wedding.

• For your favors, make a donation in your guests’ names to companies that invest in renewable energy.
• Choose a venue or location that practices green initiatives like recycling, water conservation, or solar panels.  www.greenhotels.com
• Use organically grown flowers
• Print your invitations on recycled paper with soy ink
• Ask your caterer to use local, organic foods and donate all leftovers to local shelters
• For decor, use natural, local elements that are free such as pinecones, seashells, and stones
• Replace regular candles with soy-based candles that are clean-burning
• In your engagement ring and wedding bands, use conflict free diamonds
• Register for energy efficient appliances and organic sheets

 

 

Remember Cinderella and how mean her stepsisters were to her?  That’s how the world treats carnations.  Most people think carnations are ugly, cheap, and worthless.

I used to think the same thing, but carnations can be very pretty and suprising when dressed up properly - just like Cinderella at the ball.

Carnations are wonderful option for brides who want fresh flowers, but don’t want to blow their budget.  Check out this DIY Martha Stewart Black Tie Carnation Bouquet.

Ribbon Flower How-To
For each flower, cut a 9 1/4-inch length of 1-inch-wide satin ribbon.

1. Measure 1/2 inch from one end; mark lightly in pencil. From there, mark 1 1/2-inch intervals five times (for five petals).

2. With matching thread, hand-stitch semicircles from mark to mark.

3. Pull thread to gather; knot.

4. Sew ribbon ends together, right sides facing, to make flower; snip off extra ribbon. For stem, stitch flower to looped and twisted end of white floral wire.